Here’s an alternative to Kaun

Here is a Dooney’s Kitchen Tip left by a reader Crystal, who deserves a big hug from me. Kaun, edible potash is not particular a good ingredient to cook with. Kaun is sued in many of our recipes from Ewedu to Ila Asepo (Okro soup), Abacha, Nkwobi, Ekuru, Masa and so many more I’m sure.

If you’ve stayed away from these delicious foods because of your aversion to Kaun, well all that is about to change, thanks to Crystal who left a comment under my Abacha post. You can roast the peels of unripe plantains, and use the ashes. I haven’t tried it myself, but I intend to. I’m sure Crystal won’t leave that kind of comment if she is not sure it will work. If you try this before I do, please, please let me know how it turned out. If you like Crystal know about this tip, share your experience with me please. Thanks

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About Dooney

Dooney is the blogger, recipe developer and photographer for Dooney's Kitchen. I spend my days trying to figure out creative ways to redefine Nigerian food, either by creating a new dish itself using ingredients in ways that have never been used before, or changing the approach to Nigerian cooking using kitchen gadgets.

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The simplest and easy to get substitute for kaun is BAKING SODA. They contain some kind of similar substance. Since I read about it, that’s what I’v been using here in US and won’t even remember buying kaun again even after discovering an African market. Try it.

I tried baking Soda for Nkwobi. Trust me, it did not work. I tried Bicarbonate of Soda, I even tried cream of tartar as it contains potassium, it did not work. What dishes do you use Baking Soda in that works for you, please share

If in the UK, then try LoSalt as it contains a high level of potassium chloride(at least 66% it claims) and what’s better is the benefit of it containing lower sodium. Hence it’s your Salt and your kaun. Disclaimer : please note that you shouldn’t use losalt when you have some chronic medical condition or when taking some medications as it can cause high levels of potassium in the body. If in doubt ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Well, In my village for the past 2 years we do not use kaun. We use burnt plain pill. After burning, you put the ashes in water then store it. When ever you need kaun, we only use the water in place. I have not personally made one to be candid but i have eating from it many times. Though now i am abroad, i traveled with large quantity bcos if its not kaun, it can never be it. Now, learning more on the health implications, i am thinking of doing the burning of plantain

I intend to make your blog the scripture of my new ‘religion’; cooking. I hope to transform my perfunctory cooking to something interesting, like a hobby. BTW, woodash gives the same kaun effect but i can’t say if it’s healthy or not. Well done!

Lol. Thanks. I love your play on words. Wood ash, now, I wouldn’t know if that will be good for you. I have heard about burning the skin of dried plantains though, but i think i will stick to my kaun. I don’t use it that often anyway

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